Subsidies spur viticulture modernization in the Republic of Moldova
Subsidies play a crucial role in the modernization of viticulture, a sector that enhances the Republic of Moldova's reputation in the global market, thanks to its award-winning wines. The financial support provided by international partners and the government enables winegrowers to invest in high-quality vineyards and acquire advanced technologies. This year, the government is offering subsidies of 300,000 lei for each hectare planted with local grape varieties.
In the Ialoveni district, a winery has made significant investments aimed at modernizing its wine production process. These investments included purchasing high-performance equipment and creating a tasting room that offers stunning views of the vineyard. While the investments were substantial, the winery also received substantial state subsidies totalling 5 million lei.
“With the help of subsidies, we could purchase cuttings, support systems, and more efficient agricultural equipment for cutting the shoots, all of which contribute to the production of quality grapes,” stated Sergiu Suvac, a winemaker.
Another winery also received subsidies worth 5 million lei, enabling it to achieve considerable technological advancements in winemaking processes and improve efficiency. Additionally, these investments have helped attract tourists.
“The subsidies we received greatly impacted our ability to invest further. When launching a new product in the market, it must be competitive, and the quality must be exceptionally high. For this, we need to make significant investments every year,” said Ion Mereuță, a winemaker.
To access financial support from the state, applicants can submit their proposals to the Agricultural Intervention and Payments Agency (AIPA) at various stages, including the project idea stage and during the implementation of the investment project.
“The government's goal is to increase the area of vineyard plantations in the Republic of Moldova. Subsidies are available for equipment, techniques, soil processing, and drones,” explained Diana Coșalîc, deputy director of AIPA.
State-funded subsidy programs support the entire production chain, from cultivation to storage, processing, and marketing. In 2023, 65 farmers established vineyard plantations, and this number grew to 71 in 2024, indicating an upward trend.
